THE Guangdong Government has issued a document on ways to strengthen co-operation between the Communist Party and the eight 'democratic parties'. The move was reportedly supported by the Communist Party's United Front Department. The document comprises five chapters and 25 clauses. Guangdong has pledged to give democratic or non-communist politicians important positions in government and judicial departments. When it came to major decision-making, budget planning and reshuffles, the provincial party chief would be required to consult members of democratic parties and politicians with no party affiliations, it said. The document also said consultation with cadres from various parties should be conducted before important meetings of the provincial party and Government were called. Heads of the democratic parties should also be invited to diplomatic functions. Clause 23 of the document said news organisations should without delay report activities and proposals of various democratic parties. And all recommendations and studies by these parties would be delivered directly to the provincial party office, which should deal with them immediately. United Front Department head Xiao Yaotang said the document would help build multi-party co-operation in Guangdong, according to a report by the China News Service. Mr Xiao said the document would strengthen checks and balances, and political participation and consultation by the democratic parties. The executive vice-chairman of the Revolutionary Committee of the Kuomintang, Peng Qingyuan, said similar documents were being drawn up and passed by other provinces. Mr Peng, who is a member of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, said the democratic parties welcomed such moves.
